By Darin In the gritty era of 60-minute men, few stars shone brighter than Ron Beagle. A relentless force on both sides of the ball, Beagle was the heart of the U.S. Naval Academy’s mid-century dominance. Known for his crushing blocks, lockdown defense, and reliable hands, he became the first Midshipman to ever hoist the Maxwell Trophy. His story isn’t just one of individual greatness, but of a unique legacy shared with another Navy icon that remains unmatched in the history of the sport.
Football Bio
February 7, 1934 – Hartford, Connecticut – The stalwart Naval Academy two-way playing end, Ron Beagle, was born. Ron rarely left the field for the Midshipmen during his playing days as he blocked, tackled, and grabbed passes for Navy’s teams of the mid-1950s.
The NFF records that in the 1953 through 1955 seasons, Beagle caught 64 passes, mostly from George Welsh, and scored eight touchdowns. He was All-America twice, unanimous in 1955, and won the Maxwell Trophy, the prestigious college player of the year award, in 1954. The National Football Foundation voters selected Ron Beagle for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986.
In an astonishing bit of fact, the footballfoundation.org points out that Beagle and another famous player nine years his junior, attended the same Purcell High School in Cincinnati, played college football at the Naval Academy, both won the Maxwell Trophy, made the honor of All- America status, and eventually were inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. It happened only once, and the two men were Ron Beagle and Roger Staubach.
Conclusion
Ron Beagle was the personification of the “Iron Man” era of college football. By the time he left Annapolis, he had set a standard of excellence that paved the way for future legends like Roger Staubach. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986 served as a permanent reminder of his dominance during Navy’s “Golden Age.” Whether pinning an opponent deep with his blocking or sparking a rally with a touchdown catch, Beagle was the engine of the Midshipmen’s success, leaving a legacy of service and sport that continues to inspire the Academy today.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Maxwell Award Winner (1954 – Navy’s first-ever recipient)
- Unanimous First-Team All-American (1955)
- Consensus First-Team All-American (1954)
- College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (Class of 1986)
- 1955 Sugar Bowl Champion (Led Navy to a 21-0 victory over Ole Miss)
- 7th in Heisman Trophy Voting (1955)
- NAAA Sword Recipient (1956 – For excellence in athletics)
- All-American in Lacrosse (Showcasing elite multi-sport versatility)
- Jersey Number 80 Retired by Navy (One of the highest honors in program history)
- 17th Round Selection in 1956 NFL Draft (Chicago Cardinals – elected for military service)
